Antherina suraka, commonly known as the Madagascan moon moth, is a visually stunning member of the Saturniidae family, prized for its large, velvety wings adorned with crescent-shaped eyespots that resemble glowing moons. Native to Madagascar, this species has gained popularity among entomologists and hobbyists for its manageable lifecycle, docile nature, and educational value. The caterpillars are robust feeders, accepting a variety of host plants such as privet, cherry, and lilac, and they spin tough, papery cocoons that are easy to handle. Adults are non-feeding and live for just 5–10 days, focusing solely on reproduction. Their calm temperament and ease of pairing make them ideal for outreach, display, and breeding projects. With a lifecycle that completes in as little as 6–8 weeks, A. suraka offers a rewarding glimpse into tropical moth biology and is a perfect ambassador for invertebrate education.
Madagascan Emperor Moth Caterpillar (Antherina suraka)
Size: Caterpillars L1/2
Status: Captive Bred
Range: Madagascar
Temperature 20 - 26 C Humidity 50-70 % Diet Caterpillars feed well on
privet
Enclosure 30x30x30cm net cage

